Three days, a van, and unforgettable memories in Chaudière-Appalaches

It’s finally vacation time. It’s been a year full of twists and turns, projects and little everyday challenges. We felt that our family needed a break, a moment to find ourselves away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And what better way to do that than to set off on a van adventure along the roads of the Chaudière-Appalaches region?

It all started one Sunday. The night before, we’d spent an evening at Marie-Ève’s house playing board games and laughing and chatting. But the next morning, it was all hands on deck: getting the van ready, the house ready, the meals ready, the clothes ready, the bags ready… all while we finished the last tasks of the school year. Even a little diversions to cut Charlie’s hair and buy him some running shoes was part of the departure sprint.

Finally, at noon on Monday, we set off. The children were excited, the sun was shining… but then Nicolas complained of a pain in his leg. Within a few kilometres, his face paled and his eyes filled with tears. We stopped. He had a fever. Bad timing: it’s the eve of Quebec National Holiday and the pharamacies are about to close. Fortunately, Guillaume left in a hurry with Charlie while I stayed in the restaurant to calm the storm.

A local beer from Ras L’Bock, a tasty salmon tartare and some succulent chips give us back our strength. Nicolas even ends up wolfing down his plate of pogos. We can breathe again. That’s it, the holidays can finally begin.

The campsite welcomes us with a breathtaking view of the river. The children run to the play modules, the indoor inflatables and the swimming pool. But the highlight is our pitch: at the end of it all, facing the river. We settle in, and as the sun goes down, we set off to find some shellfish. The sound of the waves, the golden hues of the sky, the children laughing… until thunder rumbles in the distance. We take refuge in Casita, our trusty van, and witness a spectacle of lightning the like of which we rarely see. The children are dazzled. We drift off to sleep, lulled by the rain and the magic of van life.

The next day, after a slightly short night (thanks to my boyfriend for getting up at 6am to watch the sunrise), we made the most of the campsite: mini-putt, trampoline, refreshing swim and games galore.

For dinner, we treat ourselves to a real meal at La Libellule restaurant: tasty pitas and incredible homemade lemonades. We take them to the Parc des Trois-Bérets and enjoy them surrounded by giant works of art and a breathtaking view of the river.

In the afternoon, while Guillaume and Alaska take a nap in the van, me and the two older kids explore the Musée maritime du Québec. We boarded old ships, discovered historic rowboats and, above all, visited the Bras d’Or. A huge, impressive ship that totally captivated the children, even though Charlie was a bit scared because of the height.

In the evening, we opted for the comfort of a retro snack bar. Elvis atmosphere, red stools, jukebox and $9.95 children’s menu with ice cream and slush. It’s the kind of simple dinner that makes everyone happy.

We spend the night at the Rocher Panet campsite. Less lively than the first, but just as charming. That evening, the sunset over the river is, without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. A suspended moment. It’s moments like these that remind me why I choose to travel differently.